That Imposter Scratch Bar Might Not Be Doing So Hot

You know that fake Scratch Bar that has been lingering around ever since Phillip Frankland Lee decided to close the real Scratch Bar and relocate it up to the Valley somewhere? Well, it turns out the imitators might not be doing so well, business-wise.

The first clue that former business partner Dario Danesh might have his hands full trying to convince diners that his version of Scratch Bar was the legit one (like, totally for real, you guys) came in the form of an ongoing coupon, welcoming in diners now that new chef Evaldo Garcia was in place. That discount gave guests a full 33% off their entire bill through the month of August (which means you could technically use it tonight).

A savings that deep couldn’t be good for the bottom line, but if it gets folks in to experience the food then go for it. Except… well, here’s another deal being announced, this time through LivingSocial, and it’s a doozy.

Right now, you can spend $25 and get a $50 dining credit (food and drink) to spend, or do the same at the $50 level to earn $100 in credit at the restaurant. That’s a 50% discount, up from the 33% being offered before. What’s more, if you spend $65, you’ll get a full six-course tasting menu for two, including dessert. Hoo boy.

It all raises the question: what’s going to happen with this nefarious, fake-mustachio’d imposter Scratch Bar? After all, Danesh has shown in the past his willingness to flip concepts in that location if the current iteration isn’t working. So maybe the not-so-Scratch Bar’s days are numbered? Or is the city still on a collision course of confusion, with Lee’s real Scratch Bar coming along fast enough to land while the fake Scratch Bar is still up and running?

Better read the address carefully the next time you try to book a reservation through OpenTable. Who knows what you’re going to get.